A discussion we need to be having....

Go to this link.
Keep up with the comments, they're bound to bring up good discussion.
I may be a bit intimidated to comment myself, but this subject is a very important topic for the church community.

Just my two cents.

Birthday Girl

Hannah,
Well, it's the day after your 3rd birthday. You've had a bit of a cold, and I think I'm catching it as well, so we're having a lazy morning....sitting in the living room in our pj's, eating oatmeal, & watching "Thomas."

Your birthday was a lot of fun this year....from the party with your friends where Swiper stole your cake, to Aunt Gretchen & Uncle Chris coming dressed for a fiesta and greeting you with "Ole!" But I think my favorite part of your special day was toward the end. You didn't get a nap and by dinner, you were a bit sensitive and your eyes filled with tears when the following conversation occurred:

"So how old are you now?"

"I'm three. But next year I'll be two again."

"No, honey, next year, you'll be four years old!"

(pause with a very sad realization look on your face)

"But I don't want to be four! I want to be two!"

(growing more upset when sensing we think it's a bit funny)

"Two was a good year, wasn't it?"

(nodding while sobbing)

(more pausing and trying not to laugh....Daddy finally speaks)

"Someday you'll be twenty two! That will be fun!"

"No, I want to be two!"

"Well, I guess you're two plus one years old. How about that?"

A hug and a change in conversation distracted you from this sad realization for the time being.

I'm also sad you're no longer two. It WAS a good year. You now write a perfect "H," read books by heart, "blow" out the lights before bed (thanks to Sammy), ran your first race, comfort your friends, went to your first dentist appointment, count to twenty (most of the time), obsess about Dora the Explorer, flew a kite, saw the ocean for the first time, went on a canoe trip, and so much more.





When I was a kid, I couldn't wait to grow up, finish school, get married, etc., etc. Now, I want time to slow down so I can relish and enjoy each moment. I have especially sensed this realization the day you were born and the day I entered my 30's. And now that I'm watching my grandparents (your great-grandparents) age, I feel even more pressed to take advantage of every moment with those I love.

So, I guess right now I want to remind you & myself to live more in the moment. In the past, I have spent too much time hoping for the future, or regretting the past. Neither of which I can control, so why invest most of my energy on them? Your Daddy has teased me for years to find "joy in the journey."


But I'm also so very grateful that we can celebrate another year with you. Hopeful of what God will teach us this year. And thankful for your Daddy's hard work, our close families, and supportive friends.

And right now in this moment, I'm so very thankful for stuffy noses, pajamas, slippers, hot oatmeal, & PBS.


I love you, Hannah.
Happy 3rd birthday!
Love,
Mom

the time has come...

H's birthday is tomorrow...and the cake is done!



This was a lot of fun and I can't wait to make more.
Now I just need ideas for the next cake.....

What can happen in a year?

6 inches?!


More hair....


...but always sweet!

Trix or Treats?

My dear friend Trickie came over to decorate festive cupcakes with me this afternoon.
Lots of frosting and fun! Next time we need your expertise, Babs!
We need some work on our technique, but they taste great.

more experimenting....

I guess it's getting a bit easier, I just wish they looked the way I see them in my head! These pictures hide most of the flaws...the fondant was cracking all over the place!

guilty conscience

After a few reminders, the girls were STILL coloring on the table instead of their coloring books.

So I put them away.

As to be expected, Hannah was upset.

What she actually said was, "Mom! I want my imagination book!"

What I heard was: "Mom! I want my imagination back!"